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Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
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Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Microbial and immune determinants of disease severity and death in pediatric pneumonia

Karen L Hanze Villavicencio, Ceylan Tanes, Clara Malekshahi

    Medrxiv : the Preprint Server for Health Sciences
    |July 10, 2026
    PubMed

    Insights

    Pediatric pneumonia is linked to disrupted upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiome maturation and altered immune responses. These factors contribute to disease severity and mortality in children, offering targets for intervention.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Immunology
    • Global Health

    Background:

    • Pneumonia is a major global cause of child mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
    • Understanding the interplay between the microbiome and immune system is crucial for addressing pediatric pneumonia.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the microbial and immune factors associated with pneumonia and mortality in children.
    • To explore the role of the upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiome in pediatric pneumonia.

    Main Methods:

    • Metagenomic sequencing of the URT microbiome in children with pneumonia and healthy controls in Mali.
    • Analysis of serum antibody levels, including passively acquired maternal antibodies, anti-RSV antibodies, and autoantibodies to cytokines.

    Main Results:

    • URT microbiome maturation was disrupted in children with pneumonia, characterized by loss of commensal species and expansion of pathobionts.
    • Disrupted microbiome was linked to increased disease severity and mortality.
    • Low maternal antibodies, deficient anti-RSV responses, and persistent autoantibodies to cytokines were associated with pneumonia mortality in an age-dependent manner.

    Conclusions:

    • The URT microbiome and immune factors play complex roles in pediatric pneumonia.
    • Microbial and immune profiles can aid in risk stratification for pneumonia.
    • Identified factors present potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions.

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